BHEL extends support to indigenous suppliers to develop self-reliance in manufacturing

New Delhi: State-run Maharatna PSU, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) on Tuesday said that it has been spearheading the 'Make in India' movement with a special focus on contributing to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.' Towards developing self-reliance in manufacturing, BHEL has taken the lead in reaching out to local industry including MSME (Micro, Small & Medium) vendors as potential partners. As a step in this direction, the company is organising a series of interactive workshops, titled 'BHEL Samvaad', under the guidance of the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI).

The first in the series of online workshops on collaborative manufacturing, conducted on Tuesday, saw a cross-section of Indian Industries, Industrial houses and MSMEs coming together to dwell upon the next steps for increased cooperation in indigenous manufacturing. The workshop was chaired by Department of Heavy Industries' (DHI) Secretary Arun Goel and was attended by more than 80 participants, comprising senior representatives of Industry Chambers like CII, IEEMA, FICCI, PHDCCI, ASSOCHAM, etc., BHEL's vendors, other MSMEs, and other leading industries. The workshop also aimed at fostering better utilisation of assets for the development of technologies and products. The event which was also telecast live on BHEL's official Facebook page and YouTube channel had more than 1,500 participants.

BHEL Samvaad for the need for being self-sufficient

DHI Secretary in his keynote address lauded BHEL's move for developing local suppliers and taking forward the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Expressing concern over the pandemic's impact on economies across the world, Goel said that lockdowns across geographies have resulted in massive supply chain disruptions and this has made many countries rethink on overdependence on imports and the need for being self-sufficient. The Secretary said that while BHEL has already been leading the movement for Make in India, 'BHEL Samvaad', is a welcome move for initiating discussions with MSMEs and the local industry with an intent to getting imported items manufactured in India. During his address, he emphasized the need of Indian vendors (Public and Private) to join hands to address the market with indigenous technology at competitive rates and world-class quality.

ALSO READ: Disinvestment: Govt selling all stake in Shipping Corporation of India, invites global bids

The plenary address by Ministry of MSME's Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner DK Singh highlighted the strength of the MSME ecosystem in India. He mentioned that it was heartening to see BHEL come forward with a collaborative approach for the domestic industry – both in terms of sharing and offering many items, and also set the platform for innovation. He called upon all the 18 MSME Technology centres to collaborate with BHEL in this regard. He also assured the collaboration of Tool Rooms under the MSME Ministry with BHEL to help address the indigenisation efforts in many business segments.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) which was represented by DPIIT's Director Rajesh Gupta DPIIT shared highlights of the policies formulated by the government to ensure fair and equal opportunities to local industries in their pursuit towards AatmaNirbhar Bharat.

BHEL to indigenise more than 300 items, currently being imported for Rs 3,000 crore

While welcoming participants to the workshop, BHEL's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Dr Shinghal said that BHEL has been, for decades, a major player in power equipment, and is also looking beyond it in a big way – into transportation, infrastructure for oil & gas, defence and aerospace and other sunrise sectors. It intends to offer indigenous products with indigenous supply chains. He stressed on the need for engaging the manufacturing ecosystem of the country, for developing indigenous capabilities, enhancing competitiveness and reducing dependence on the neighbouring economy. He also emphasised on the important role that can be played by MSMEs through innovation efforts to enhance the competitiveness of BHEL. Addressing participants, he said that BHEL is interested in indigenisation of more than 300 items across nine categories, currently imported by our 16 manufacturing units, valued at over Rs 3,000 crore per annum, and the company is looking forward to their active participation for mutual growth.

During the workshop, BHEL made a detailed presentation of the business opportunities for the Indian business community in terms of items that BHEL seeks to source locally. BHEL also revealed the support that would be extended to vendors in developing indigenous offerings with an indigenous supply chain. The interactive session witnessed multiple queries on technical and commercial issues from the participating business representatives evincing keen interest in working with BHEL.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)